Wonderland (2000)

REVIEW
In ths affecting drama, director Winterbottom apes the hand-held immediacy of Mike Leigh and John Cassavettes, but he manages to put a personal touch on the film, as well, to great success. The lives of three sisters and their parents are examined in intertwining stories, with emotions running the gamut from joy to depression, rage to quiet acceptance. A nice, if slightly overdone score complements the superb acting and camerawork to produce a richly involving film, culminating in a suprisingly satisfying (under the circumstances) ending. Wonderland is Winterbottom's best film to date, and despite its superficial resemblance to several recent British releases, is an original, heartfelt work.